Page 87 of Deadly Target (Rocky Mountain Courage 2)

Nathan reached across and grabbed her hand and squeezed, as if he’d known she needed the reassurance. He steered into the parking lot at Thelma’s and found a spot near the main entrance. “This is as good a meeting place as any, but I don’t like talking out in the open like this.”

“Where did you want to meet? Under a bridge?” She snorted. “We’re not doing this at the house. I wouldn’t want Mom to suddenly come home for some reason, or Delmar to report to her.”

“You think he spies for her?”

“Most definitely. He wants to earn points any way he can.” She crossed her arms and slid her gaze to Nathan, who stared at her with an incredulous look.

He shook his head in mock disdain. “Listen, before the detective gets here, I wanted to say this. Let’s focus on Seattle and then later, we need to talk to Henry about the comment on your podcast. It’s too dangerous to hold that close, Erin.”

Nathan was pushing aside his own personal concerns about his father ... for her. The least she could do was be open and honest with him. She hung her head. “I know. I’m scared, Nathan.”

She braved a look into his dark eyes and let him see as deeply as he was willing to look just how scared she was now. How scared she’d always been. How she’d tried to run from the fear that one day that night would find her again.

A car pulled in next to him, and a man got out. He eyed them both.

“That’s him,” Erin said.

“You know this how?”

“I met him. He talked to me before I left to come home.” She blew out a breath.

Erin got out, and they walked around the vehicle to shake hands with Detective Munson. Nathan gestured toward the diner, where they entered and found a booth in a back corner facing the doors. When the waitress approached, she set cups out for them. “Coffee?”

“Please,” Nathan said.

She poured from a carafe into all three cups, then set a small bowl of creamer and sugars on the table along with three menus.

“I’ll give you a minute.” She started to leave.

“No need,” Munson said. “I’m starving.”

“Okay, hon, what’ll it be?” She pulled out her pen and pad.

“I’ll have your biggest breakfast plate, whatever that is,” Munson said.

“Just keep the coffee coming.” Erin wasn’t hungry.

“An omelet and a side of bacon.” Nathan hadn’t even looked at the menu.

How could these guys eat at a time like this? The waitress finally left them. Erin wished she’d chosen a place where they could have this conversation without food or interruption.

“What have you got,” Nathan said, “that you thought it was important enough to drive all the way out here? It’s what, a ten-, twelve-hour drive?”

Munson rubbed his jawline. “I could use the change of scenery, plus I can talk on my phone on the way and listen to reports. So I can get some work done while I enjoy the drive.” He clasped his hands on the table, and his eyes zeroed in on Erin. “As I mentioned on our call, I had more to talk to you about.” He opened up a small portfolio and slid out a couple of photographs. “Recognize this guy?”

She frowned. “Maybe. I ... He had sunglasses on. It all happened so fast. Did you ask Carissa?”

“I did, but I wanted to hear your response. I wanted to see your reaction.”

Erin should have called Carissa. She would have if she hadn’t been buried with so much happening. “I think it’s him. Yes. But I can’t be one hundred percent sure. Who is he anyway?”

Detective Munson arched a brow.

“I’m waiting, Detective. You didn’t just drive out here to show me a picture of a dead man.”

“A dead man who tried to kill you.”

“Or my friend. So who is he?”

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